Poke!
This week I'm sharing my vision for our church. Take a listen and find out why I'm suggesting we poke each other.

We look forward to worshipping with you Sunday at 10:30 am and starting this week at 5 pm from the Hill on our website or Facebook page.
COFFEE HOUR CONVERSATION
Sunday, February 7
Join us for our Coffee Hour Conversation with Dr. Gena Minnix, Director of the Loise Henderson Wessendorff Center for Christian Ministry and Vocation, and Associate Professor of Counselor Education at Seminary of the Southwest. This is the fourth in our series “Imagining New Possibilities of Ministry.” Channing and Dr. Minnix will explore trauma: understanding its lingering effects and navigating the path toward healing. For many, if not most of us, the global pandemic has been a traumatic experience. How might we respond to others in order to support healing? How might we care for ourselves?
LAST CALL!
MARDI GRAS VARIETY SHOW
Deadline for submissions: February 9
Bring It On Good Shepherd! Are you ready to have a little fun? We're looking for you to share your talents (singing, dancing, playing an instrument, telling jokes, silly pet tricks, etc.). Send in a 3-min or shorter video of you (can also include your family) to Sam Hensley. Sam will edit the videos together into a Variety Show for us to all enjoy during our February 16 Mardi Gras Celebration.
MARDI GRAS VARIETY SHOW AND DINNER
February 16
Enjoy the antics of our own Ed Clements, Austin radio personality, as the Master of Ceremonies. Chef Robert will prepare delicious jambalaya and the best king cake this side of New Orleans. Place your orders here by February 12, a portion of the proceeds will go to Rise Against Hunger. Laissez les bons temps rouler! For more information, see our website.
GOING THE SOCIAL DISTANCE - UPDATE
Sunday, January 10 - February 14
#GSATXImagineNoHunger
Good Shepherd, we have knocked it out of the park! With one week until our deadline we have exercised 2,164.49 miles to IMAGINE a world without hunger in our partnership with Rise Against Hunger. Help us reach our goal of 2,802 miles. Is there someone you can challenge to "Go the Social Distance?" Join the challenge by signing up HERE. If you have questions please contact Aimee Bostwick.
TRAIL OF STARS
January 17 - February 14
As the wise men have shown us, following stars can be transformational! As we continue our journey through the season of Epiphany we invite you to look for the stars shared by your Good Shepherd community in their yards. A Spotify playlist and map are available for you to navigate through your journey. Link for map. Link for Spotify.
VIRTUAL WOMEN'S RETREAT: WE MAKE A WAY: FINDING FULLNESS IN THE DESERT
February 19-20
All women of the parish are invited to join us for a virtual women's retreat. Rev. Mary Earle will share with us her wisdom of the Desert Mothers and Fran McKendree will once again help us create that holy space we have shared together for the past several years. Please set aside this time for connection and reflection. Click here to register.
MEET GREG RIELS, SENIOR WARDEN
I am honored and humbled to be asked to serve as your Senior Warden. While no one, quite frankly, truly wants to be the act after Milo Burdette’s multiple years of parish leadership, I am so looking forward to joining Lisa McMinn, Junior Warden, in leading the Vestry, and us all supporting Channing in sharing the good news of Good Shepherd. I believe without a shadow of doubt that our mission and vision will continue to serve as a beacon of hope in Austin and beyond.
 
I am blessed to be married to Jessica. We have two daughters, Margaret and Bennett, who were both baptized at Good Shepherd. They are our everything. We came to love Good Shepherd in their infant years looking for a community of parents trying to figure it all out. Those early experiences inspired me to be confirmed at Good Shepherd, serve as a Eucharistic Minister, Hill volunteer, Finance Committee member, and as a member of the Vestry since 2018.
 
I run my own business having previously worked for various organizations in Washington, D.C., including a stint as senior aide on Capitol Hill, where Jessica and I met. I also served in the U.S. Navy as an F-14 pilot, flight instructor, Admiral’s aide and as a pilot for the Secretary of the Navy. Before kids, we spent an arduous year living in Naples, Italy, touring Europe and drinking wine, under the auspices of Navy duty. I retired from naval service as a Commander in 2016, with a full and abiding appreciation that the experiences (good, bad and ugly) of the last 21 years shaped and formed me as an Episcopalian - a work still in progress. 
 
I am beyond thankful for this church and this community, so ably lead by Channing. I am indeed, honored to serve.

Meet the new Vestry members and warden here.
MORE WAYS TO CONNECT
For information on all of the ways you can worship with us, take part in formation and serve others, please click here.